For example, if you’re writing an attestation letter for a former employee to attest to their skills and expertise, you would want to use company letterhead. If you’re writing an attestation letter for yourself, don’t use company letterhead if the subject of the letter has nothing to do with your work for the company.
You can also use a default font, such as Arial or Helvetica.
If you’re using a business letter template through your word processing application, it may insert the current date by default.
Addresses on business letters are typically done in block format, similar to the way you would write them on an envelope. If you’re using a template from your word processing app, it will already have these text boxes set up for you. If you’re not using letterhead, the first block on your letter would be your name and address. You would then follow with the recipient’s name and address.
The subject line typically will be the reason you’re writing the attestation letter. If you’re writing the letter for another person, you might use their name as the subject line. For example, you might write: “Attestation Letter for Sally Sunshine. "
If you’re planning on getting your letter notarized, you’ll also want to include a notary block. Search online for a notary block you can copy. In the US, you can typically find these on the website for your state’s Secretary of State.
For example, if you are writing an attestation letter certifying that you have met the continuing education requirements for a license, you might address it “Licensing Board” followed by a colon. Use the name of the specific department or board when possible, rather than addressing it “To Whom It May Concern. " If you’re writing an attestation letter on behalf of another individual, such as a former employee, try to address it to the recipient by name if at all possible.
For example, if you’re writing an attestation letter for a former employee, you might begin by describing your job title in the company and how long you’ve been working there. If you’re writing the letter for yourself, you may not need any introduction other than your name. For example, you might write “I, Sally Sunshine, attest that I completed the weekend seminar in Sunny Valley, held October 3 - 7. " For that sort of attestation letter, the body of the letter typically would only be a sentence or two.
For example, if you were writing an attestation letter for a former employee, you might write: “I am Holly Henderson, president of Henderson Motors. I am writing to attest to Sally Sunshine’s mechanical expertise. "
Stick to the facts, and keep your writing as clear and concise as possible using active voice.
For example, your last sentence might read: “By signing below, I declare that all the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. " This type of declaration is especially important if you’re planning on getting your signature notarized.
Check your facts as well. When you sign your letter, you’ll be certifying that everything in it is true. Double check any numbers, dates, and other figures to make sure they’re accurate.
Make sure the letter printed cleanly, and the margins are adequate. There should be at least 1 inch (2. 5 cm) on all sides of the page. If your letter is more than one page, make sure the pages are numbered. Using “1 of 2” format will help the recipient confirm they have all of the pages.
Notarization typically is required if the attestation letter has legal significance. For example, if you are sending an attestation letter to certify that you’ve met the requirements for a professional license, notarization may be required.
If you’re emailing your attestation letter, print it and sign it first. Then scan the original document so you can attach a PDF of the signed letter.
